Lately, my almost-4-year-old has discovered The Magic School Bus, and honestly… I couldn’t be happier. There’s something magical about hearing “Seatbelts, everyone!” and watching that little yellow bus shrink, fly, or dive into a volcano.
It also made me realize—my students deserve that same spark of adventure in science class.
When you think of field trips, are your students more like Arthur (hesitant, nervous about what’s coming next) or more like Wanda (already halfway out the door with her backpack)?
What if you could please both—offering the excitement of exploring somewhere new, but without the stress, cost, or chaos of leaving the building?
That’s exactly what virtual field trips do.
Ms. Frizzle might have had a younger audience than yours, but she nailed the concept: learning is more powerful when students experience it. Virtual field trips make that possible in your classroom—no permission slips required.
What is a virtual field trip?
A virtual field trip is a guided, interactive experience that lets students explore locations across the globe—or even moments in history—without leaving their desks. These trips combine images, video, maps, simulations, and narration to help students connect with real-world places and concepts, all while aligning with your curriculum standards.
Field trip vs. virtual field trip
Let’s be honest—traditional field trips are amazing when they work out, but…
- No volcanoes in your backyard?
- No rainforest nearby?
- Tight school budgets?
- Limited transportation?
With a virtual field trip, those limits disappear. You can take your class anywhere—from the bottom of the ocean to the surface of Mars—without stepping outside.
Want to explore different places and spaces with your students that are all aligned with your curriculum?
Check out this bundle of 7 virtual field trips for your science classes.
Benefits of Virtual Field Trips
Here’s why they’re a win-win for both you and your students:
- Experiential learning without the bus ride. Students can “travel” across the world or through history in just one class period.
- Stress-free for teachers. No fundraising, no collecting a stack of permission slips, no counting heads every five minutes.
- Rich multimedia content. Photos, videos, animations, and interactive elements help students visualize concepts that textbooks alone can’t capture.
- Perfect for sub days. A ready-to-go, engaging plan for when you need time off.
In fact, Loren H., who used my full bundle with her 9th graders, shared:
“These digital field trips have been an awesome addition to my Earth Science class. They would make great sub plans as well!” (Mar 9, 2023) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Choosing the Right Virtual Field Trip
Start by looking at your curriculum and asking:
- What locations or processes would be amazing for students to see?
- What lessons need an engagement boost?
- What concepts feel abstract until students can visualize them?
Science Virtual Field Trip Ideas
Here are a few favorites that bring science concepts to life and are ready to plug right into your lessons:
- Earthquakes Virtual Field Trip – Take your students on a virtual adventure to some of the most historic and impactful earthquake sites in history! Students will explore everything from the San Andreas Fault to the 2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake, bringing real-world seismic events to life while building understanding of Earth’s dynamic crust. Includes guided notes and critical thinking questions for each stop.
- Planets Virtual Field Trip – Blast off on an exciting, interactive journey through our solar system! Students explore each planet’s unique features, watch embedded National Geographic videos, pause for fun activities, and build vocabulary—all while feeling like true space explorers. Includes pre- and post-trip assignments to reinforce learning.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This is one of the most fun resources I have ever purchased… My students absolutely loved this virtual field trip.” – Melissa D., Apr 15, 2025
- Volcanoes Virtual Field Trip – Explore Mount St. Helens and discover the real-world impact of volcanic eruptions. Students build vocabulary, engage with the Volcanoes 101 guide, and apply what they learn to analyze modern volcanic events with the “Volcanoes in the News” activity. Comes with a ready-to-use student worksheet and teacher guide.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Students loved this resource! I love anything that makes learning tangible and more engaging and that’s exactly what this resource did! Thank you!” – Christa P., Aug 3, 2024
- Weathering & Erosion Virtual Field Trip – Travel to iconic landscapes worldwide—from Arizona deserts to Hawaii’s volcanic terrain—to see weathering and erosion in action. Students analyze geological processes, connect them to real landforms, and engage in guided practice to deepen understanding.
- Aquatic Biomes Virtual Field Trip – Dive into the Amazon River, Lake Baikal, Chesapeake Bay, and Galápagos Islands with this immersive exploration of freshwater and saltwater ecosystems. Stunning visuals and interactive activities make these aquatic biomes come alive while reinforcing ecological concepts. Includes a 35-slide presentation plus pre- and post-trip assignments.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This resource was really great and an interactive way for my students to learn about aquatic biomes.” – Samantha B., Feb 4, 2025
- Terrestrial Biomes Virtual Field Trip – Take a virtual tour across the globe, visiting tropical rainforests, arid deserts, temperate forests, and polar regions. Students observe biodiversity, climate adaptations, and seasonal cycles, making these far-off ecosystems tangible and engaging. Includes discussion questions and a guided student worksheet.
- NEW! Earth Systems in Action Virtual Field Trip – Explore the connections between the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere across five immersive global stops—from coastal mangroves to the Pacific Ring of Fire. Students see how Earth’s systems interact in real time, making abstract concepts concrete and memorable. Includes interactive slides, embedded videos, and comprehension activities.
Don’t see what you’re looking for?
Let me make it for you! I love designing custom virtual field trips to fit exactly what your classroom needs. Just send me a message and let’s bring your dream trip to life.
The Bottom Line
Virtual field trips let your students experience real-world science without leaving the classroom. They’ll explore, make observations, take notes, and ask questions just like they would on a traditional trip—only with fewer logistical headaches for you.
So… where will your class “travel” next?
2 Responses
I have never tried a virtual field trip but it may help to motivate kids. I think I would like to try a virtual field trip to the Olympic Peninsula because the kids only think of tropical rainforests and not temperate.
Hi Amber,
That is a great idea! I encourage you to try a VFT in your classroom. It is often a refreshing change of pace for students, especially when teachers fully commit to the field trip aspect of the lesson.